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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rayww on August 9, 2003, at 10:32:13
I'm going to start this post with the words, "I Believe", because I hope we all have an equal right to state what we believe concerning faith on the Faith board. If by so doing I offend another's belief please forgive me, don't ban me.
I believe the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Faith. Without faith in God, the gospel would be dead. The gospel of Christ undefiled, is caring for the poor and needy among us (all of us caring for one another). If faith without works is dead, then, we without faith are also dead spiritually.
I believe the second principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is repentance because having faith in Christ leads a person to a desire to live better. Faith preceeds the miracle of forgiveness. Forgiveness is linked to repentance. Without repentance, faith is dead, because faith without works is dead.
Repentance activates the atonement of Jesus Christ, thus, I believe the next principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is baptism by immersion for the remission of all sins. Since God is so willing to forgive all sins we repent of after baptism, it becomes necessary to continually repent.
To be able to understand what it is we are in need of repenting from, I believe the fourth principle of the Gospel, "receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost" follows baptism.
The gift of the Holy Ghost, bestowed by divine authority from Jesus Christ, through appointed priesthood bearers, will be our constant companion of comfort, peace, and guidance when we apply the previous three principles to our personal life.
Since a constant renewal of this principle and ordinance is more important than a one time belief or baptism experience, the weekly partaking of sacrament is provided for those honestly seeking this blessing. Thus to keep faith in Christ alive and growing, this weekly renewal of the baptismal covenant (I promise to keep the commandments and God promises to enable us and forgive us) will keep the atonement active in our life.
How does one know when they have received and accepted the gift of Jesus Christ in their personal life? Activate the seed of faith and let it carry you where it will. A seed when properly nourished cannot be stopped from growing. A seed blowing in the wind will go nowhere, but when it falls to fertile ground.
Today I will get dressed, do my chores around the house, bake a cake and share it with someone, write a story, love my kids, feel good about myself.
Tomorrow, some Sabbath reading:
http://scriptures.lds.org/query?words=%22first+principles%22&search.x=19&search.y=10
Posted by Miller on August 9, 2003, at 21:11:26
In reply to is faith dead?, posted by rayww on August 9, 2003, at 10:32:13
It is my belief that the Bible is based on giving. If we give ourselves over to God, if we give to those who don't have, if we give what we never got, and if we give what we have always wanted that is the underlying priciple of all I know of the Bible.
It is just my opinion, of course. To me, Faith will come as soon as you (general you--not necessarily personal) decide to give yourself to God and His wishes.
That is a great toic for a really good discussion though. I wonder what other peopple believe? Thanks, Rayww.
-Miller
Posted by Tabitha on August 10, 2003, at 13:31:22
In reply to I believe... » rayww, posted by Miller on August 9, 2003, at 21:11:26
I'd agree with Miller there, about the importance of giving being central to the Bible's teachings. I've also read of a Buddhist practice (tonglen? not sure of the exact name) along the same lines. It's a meditation where you sort of give away what you want (good feelings, happiness), and take in what you don't want (pain and suffering).
Where I get mixed up, is this kind of teaching seems at odds with what psychology says is healthy, which is to take care of your own self before you give to others, and don't give at your own expense. Somehow I think there must be a way to resolve the apparent contradiction, because it seems like the really good spiritual teachers and role models are also very psychologically healthy. I wish I understood more.
Posted by rayww on August 10, 2003, at 18:20:35
In reply to I believe... » rayww, posted by Miller on August 9, 2003, at 21:11:26
But what is the power that enables us to do all this giving? - - that inspires us to know where to give, and opens the doors as we move through our own agency, supporting us all along the way? Is it not faith in Christ? That same faith which has the power to move mountains?
Posted by rayww on August 10, 2003, at 18:27:20
In reply to Re: I believe..., posted by Tabitha on August 10, 2003, at 13:31:22
Understanding and wisdom opens to us gradually, line upon line, to the degree of our need and desire. I'm sure you will figure this out soon.
Generally, if you want to know if a principle is true or not, put it to the test. If it produces fruit it is a true and living vine. If it goes nowhere, withers and dies, it is false.
This is the end of the thread.
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